The StoryMakers Podcast

Episode 29: Set The Table: Quality vs. Quantity with Sarah Copeland

As the hosting season ramps up, we’re re-sharing one of our favorite conversations from last year — an episode we return to again and again for inspiration.
Get cozy and tune in as Mel sits down with hospitality extraordinaire Sarah Copeland, an author, chef, and gifted writer whose approach to connection and beauty feels especially grounding during busy seasons. Sarah shares her favorite tricks of the trade for creating meaningful moments around the table and beyond.
This is a timeless conversation you won’t want to miss!

Episode 28: Writing for the Weary: Gospel-Centered Fiction with Amy Mantravadi

Join Mel for an interesting conversation with author and mother, Amy Mantravadi. They get into the details of bringing God’s story to life through a creative and grace-forward approach. Amy shares her experience as a mother, trusting that God’s story is a long story. This conversation is theological and encouraging for parents!

Episode 27: ”Tell Your Kids They’re Loved by God” — Christian Poet on the Power of Words

Do you have questions for God? Join Mel and author Tanner Olson as they dive into the topic of God, kids, and poetry. Tanner recently wrote a children’s book that invites parents and kids to talk to God through all the big and small questions. Join the conversation and pick up Tanner’s latest drop!

Episode 26: Christian Artist and Author Roger Hutchison on How Creativity Opens the Door to Healing

Join Mel for a chat about art and the promises of God. In this episode Mel interviews author and Family Minister, Roger Hutchinson. He shares his creative insight and approach to the BIG moments of the Christian life. Through art and storytelling – Roger has made a pathway for kids to know God is for them now and always.

Episode 25: Creation and Connection: How God Meets Humanity in Genesis 1–3

Join Mel as she talks with Old Testament professor Sarah Salzberg about Genesis 1–3, the opening chapters of the Bible that reveal how God interacts with humanity. In this conversation, Mel and Sarah explore how God brings order out of chaos, invites humanity into His creative work, and sets the stage for redemption.

Episode 24: Setting Rhythms with Grace

Join Mel and Jennifer as they dive into the topic of family rhythms. If we are honest, sparking healthy habits feels nearly impossible – discover how Jennifer has integrated faith at home through all the ups and downs that life brings. You won’t want to miss this conversation!

Episode 23: Kicking off the Fall With Ease!

Wallace Benton, Associate Director of Lifelong Learning at VTS (and youth ministry pro!), joins the pod to share tips for easing into the back-to-school season with flexibility, fun, and faith!

Episode 22: Talking to Teens About Theology, Death, and the Questions Adults Avoid

Join Mel and Sarah as they discuss The Old Story. Sarah Salzberg is a speaker, writer, and high school theology teacher. In this episode, she offers wisdom when it comes to engaging God's story with Gen Z and Alpha.

Episode 21: This Christian Creator Is Capturing Faith the Way Gen Z Actually Talks About It

Are you afraid of teens? Tune into this episode to discover how you can engage faith with the teens in your life. Michael Yelland-Brown, Founder of The Way Studios, shares his learnings as a content creator for Gen Z and Gen Alpha. If you love teens, you won't want to miss this episode.

Episode 20: Sparking a Healthy Faith

Join Mel for a conversation with Meredith Miller, a mother, pastor, author, and forerunner in how to spark healthy faith connections. She is the author of Woven, a must-read for anyone who works with children or is a parent. Meredith beautifully illustrates what it means to be anchored to Jesus and scripture – plus she is full of wit and wisdom. Tune into this next episode!